| When the First World War broke out in August 1914, the Imperial German Army mistakenly assumed that the British Expeditionary Force - 'that contemptible little army' - would be easily defeated. They were stopped in their tracks by the numerically inferior British force, whose escellent marksmanship cost the close-packed German ranks dear. Eventually forced to fall back by overwhelming German numbers, the British carried out a masterful fighting retreat across Belgium and Northern France. At Mons, nine and a half British battalions held four German divisions at bay for an entire day - a remarkable testament to the professionalism and skill of the soldiers of the BEF. David Lomas examines not just the battle of Mons itsekf but also the ensuing British retreat including the actions at Le Cateua and Villers-Cotteret.
Profusely illustrated witn excellent photographs and specially drawn colour artwork and maps, David Lomas has produced a distinguished account of this famous action. |
